Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Dawn, Sun
Archetype:
Protector Deity
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Aya, Ninkar, Serida, Sherida, Sudaĝ
Sherida was the goddess of dawn and the sun. Dawn and the beginning of things were central to Sherida’s divine role.
She brought light to the world each morning.
Sherida was also known as Aya, symbolizing the start of a new day.
Beauty, charm, and renewal were recurring themes in her depiction.
Sherida was often associated with the cycle of day and night, representing rebirth and new beginnings.
Parents:
None Known
Siblings:
None Known
Consorts:
Utu – god of Sun, Justice
Children:
None Known
Sherida was known as the Sumerian goddess of dawn. Her symbol was related to the golden yellow shine or light, indicative of her connection to the dawn.
She was the personification of dawn. Often linked with morning light and the rising sun.
In iconography, Sherida was depicted with features highlighting beauty and charm. This emphasized her role as a divine bride.
In art, she often appeared in frontal depictions, emphasizing her attributes as a charming and attractive bride.
Weapons:
None Known
Sacred Animals:
None Known
Symbolism:
Sherida (Aya) symbolized dawn and was associated with the morning light and rising sun.
She often represented beauty and charm, depicted as a divine bride.
Her name suggests brightness, often connected with the golden yellow shine or light.
Celestial Associations:
Sherida was associated with the constellation Ewe, potentially linked to the northeastern part of Boötes, but the exact identification remains uncertain.
Realms:
As the goddess of dawn, Sherida was associated with the beginning of the day and the daily journey of the sun across the sky.
Worship Places:
Sherida (Aya) was worshiped in Sippar and Larsa.
She shared the temple Ebabbar with her consort, Utu, in Sippar.
Rituals & Divinations:
She was often worshiped alongside Utu, suggesting joint ceremonies.
In the journey of Nanna to Nippur, Sherida played a role as a guiding light, associated with the journey’s beginning.
As Utu’s consort, she was integral in myths concerning the sun’s journey across the sky.
Sherida interceded on behalf of worshipers, showing her nurturing and protective nature.
Visit All Sumerian Gods & Goddesses
- J.A. Coleman, The Dictionary of Mythology: An A-Z of Themes, Legends, and Heroes (Barnes & Noble, Inc., 2007)
- Matt Clayton, Sumerian Mythology: Captivating Myths Of Gods, Goddesses, And Legendary Creatures of Ancient Sumer and Their Importance To The Sumerians (Captivating History, 2019)
- Multiple Authors, Aya (goddess) (Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia, December 9, 2023)